Total Lunar Eclipse 2026: Date, Time and Blood Moon Visibility
The primary lunar eclipse of 2026 is a Total Lunar Eclipse occurring today, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Often called a “Blood Moon,” this event causes the moon to take on a deep reddish-orange hue as it passes completely into the Earth’s shadow.
March 3, 2026, Blood Moon: Global Timings & Totality
The overall eclipse spans several hours, but visibility depends on your location and moonrise times.
The eclipse begins in the afternoon at 3:20 PM IST and concludes at 6:48 PM IST. The moon is fully shadowed from 4:34 PM to 5:33 PM IST. Most of India will see the moon rise already eclipsed.
The best time for most Indian cities is between 6:30 PM and 6:47 PM IST. Most viewers in India will catch the final stages for approximately 15 to 20 minutes after sunset. States like Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh have an earlier moonrise and will witness more of the totality phase.
City-Specific Visibility in India
| City | Moonrise / Visibility Start | Eclipse End (Partial Phase) |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | 5:32 PM – 5:43 PM | 6:47 PM |
| Lucknow | 6:02 PM | 6:47 PM |
| Delhi / Noida | 6:21 PM – 6:22 PM | 6:47 PM |
| Chennai | 6:18 PM – 6:21 PM | 6:47 PM |
| Hyderabad | 6:26 PM | 6:47 PM |
| Bengaluru | 6:28 PM – 6:32 PM | 6:47 PM |
| Mumbai | 6:30 PM – 6:42 PM | 6:47 PM |
Unique Coincidence: Holi 2026
This eclipse is notable for coinciding with the festival of Holi. In many regions, playing with colors is being observed on March 4 to avoid the eclipse period.
Chandra Grahan 2026: Rituals, Sutak Kaal, and Significance
Due to traditional “Sutak” (inauspicious period) rules: The Sutak Period began at 6:23 AM IST and ends with the eclipse at 6:48 PM IST. Major temples across India have closed their doors for the duration of the Sutak and eclipse, reopening after purification rituals.
August 28, 2026: Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse Details
A second, Partial Lunar Eclipse will occur on August 28, 2026. It will be visible from parts of the Americas, Europe, and Africa, but not from India.